Spring 2001

What do wolf spiders, underground mine fires, national missile defense, and eating disorders have in common?

They are subjects of just a few of the 53 research projects presented at Susquehanna's annual Senior Scholars' Day in April.

To elaborate just a bit, the investigations included explorations of:

• the antipredator behavior of wolf spiders,
• how the extreme environment posed by an underground mine fine in Centralia, Pa., affects concentrations of heavy metals, ammonium, and bacteria in soils;
• the effect of a U.S. national missile defense system on international security, and
• predicting eating disorders among high school students.

The 2001 event was particularly popular with students majoring in biology, geological and environmental sciences, chemistry, political science, psychology and sociology in Susquehanna's School of Natural and Social Sciences. They explored topics ranging from bioinformatics and supercritical fluids to a comparative analysis of black and white female standards of beauty.

The annual session also attracted majors from the School of Arts, Humanities and Communications who presented research on subjects such as the spirituality of artist Thomas Cole, the music of 20th-century Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, and "Sell Me My Soul: Advertising as a Necessity."

Sixty-four students participated in 35 poster sessions and 18 oral presentations. They were as the culmination of year-long projects that provided practical experience through independent or collaborative research with other students and faculty. Susquehanna students regularly have work published in academic journals and presented at professional meetings such as the National Council on Undergraduate Research Symposium (NCUR), Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences, and the Eastern Psychological Association.

Sponsored by the office of the vice president for academic affairs, the day continues a nearly 25-year tradition at Susquehanna to honor the professors who provide guidance and assistance in the students' research.

Want to learn more about the sciences at Susquehanna? A great way is to attend the University's annual science-in-action day, set this year for Friday, Oct. 5. See the end of this page for more information on this and other in-action opportunities!

• Having professors who will bend over backwards to meet with me.
• The weekends when there is always something to do.
• Watching campus change throughout the seasons -- the reds and golds of autumn, the white of freshly fallen snow, the return of life and flowers in springtime.
• Late nights talking with friends about anything and everything.
• Picnics outside Degenstein when the weather is nice.
• Star-gazing from the field hockey and rugby fields.
• Seeing friends in plays and recitals.
• Mealtime conversations and laughter.
• Walking down the path and saying 'Hi' to everyone I know.
• Sunny days and lounging on the green open spaces of campus studying, playing frisbee, or just hanging out.
• The professors and staff who have become my friends over the past four years.

Many prospective students imagine their first experiences at college to involve tough classes, a backpack full of books, and the first bout with homesickness. For new Susquehanna students, dealing with these and other challenges is getting easier, thanks to the University's new emphasis on First-Year Programs.

The First-Year Programs are devoted to the successful transition of first-year students to the collegiate environment and the University. "The first six weeks is a crucial time because that is when students make a decision if they want to stay at the college or not," says program coordinator, Rebecca Grant. "The First-Year Program experience is a proactive attempt to get students involved."

A key aspect of the first-year experience is fall orientation, where freshmen look forward to a faculty/student barbecue, participation in community service, and attending special events such as appearances by comedians or improv nights. New students are greeted to Susquehanna by the 0-Team, a group of upperclassmen who help freshmen and their families unload cars, move into residence halls, and answer questions.

"The orientation program was great! It made me feel at home at SU from the second I stepped on campus," said Jordan Bolduc, a freshman elementary education major. "I loved orientation week so much that I didn't want to miss it next year, so I am going to be part of the 0-Team so I can be part of the fun that comes along with welcoming our new freshmen."

Other features of the First-Year Programs include Susquehanna's Education of Leadership for Freshmen (S.E.L.F.), and College 101, a half-credit academic course on the transition to college life. The Office of Residence Life also sponsors a series of holiday events, coffee nights, and "mocktail parties."

"The First-Year Program is an up and coming university trend," continues Grant, who has developed an appreciation and understanding for freshman life - she is not only the programs coordinator, but also lives in Smith Hall, a residence hall that is home to many first-year students. For freshman, it is good to know that there is a sympathetic administrator who has to observe quiet hours and can't burn candles in the room, either.

Before you spend hours in the car driving to look at a college, consider a few things - the size of the school, the quality of the faculty, the distance from your home, the majors it offers, and the scholarships and financial aid available. College guidebooks and the Internet are great sources. You should also contact the school for more information and make an appointment for a tour and interview. You may want to "cluster" visits to several schools over the space of a few days.

Your campus visit is your chance to learn first hand about academics, activities and the atmosphere of the school. WARNING: After a few tours, you may begin to feel like all the colleges look the same … red brick buildings, ivy-covered walls, green lawn, plus the usual classrooms. Try to make time to look a little closer and ask the right questions so you can see what makes each school unique. Here are some helpful hints.

• Faculty and academic facilities: Yes, it's true… you do have to go to class in college! Find out what the average class size is for first-year students. Pay close attention to the accessibility of faculty in your intended major. Will you be taught by fully credentialed professors or graduate student-teaching assistants? Are the facilities, equipment and research space adequate and practical?
• The library: Believe it or not, the library can become your best friend in college. Check out the technology - what library resources are available on the school's network? Are there inter-library loan programs? What are the hours? Is it a comfortable place to study and do research? Can you get help from librarians when you need it?
• Sports and recreation facilities: This is key if you're into fitness! Is there a variety of modern, safe equipment for ALL students to use? Are there convenient hours? Is there a pool? What options are available if you want to stay in shape but don't want to join a varsity team? Are there club sports and intramurals?
• Technology: Very important! How many computer labs are on campus and are any open 24-hours? Are students required to bring a computer to school? Are ALL the residence hall rooms on campus networked? Are there fees for e-mail and network use? Is there free space on the school's network to build your own web page? Are notebook computers supported in the classroom?
• Career programs: What career development services does the school offer? Is there on-campus recruiting? What is the placement rate for recent graduates? How many students go on to graduate and professional schools? What percentage of students complete an internship, and how do they find these opportunities?
• A typical residence hall: A.K.A. your "home away from home." Is housing guaranteed all four years? Are there "first-year students only" residence halls? Is the residence hall clean and in good condition, including the bathrooms and shower areas? What are housing options for upperclassmen?
• The dining hall: Don't miss this one! What are the meal hours? What are the typical meal choices? How many places are there to eat on campus? IS THE FOOD GOOD? Try to eat a meal on campus if you can!

These are the basics. You may also want to inquire about student life and campus activities, the health center, tutorial services and campus safety. Be as thorough as you possibly can. Look beyond the white columns and brass door handles; try to picture yourself on campus. And don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.

Check out our new sports/fitness facilities

• Ninety-six percent of the class of 2000 reported employment or enrollment in graduate or professional school within six months of commencement in the annual survey conducted by the University's Center for Career Services.
• Seventeen percent of all 2000 Susquehanna graduates -- 28 percent of students in the School of Natural and Social Sciences and 17 percent from the School of Arts, Humanities and Communications -- are pursuing further education in graduate or professional school.
• Seventy-nine percent of the class took advantage of opportunities posed by a strong job market. Starting salaries are competitive with national averages -- typically at the median and often higher. The average starting salary was $30,020.
• Once again, several Susquehanna graduates have opted for experience in the non-profit sector with organizations such as the Peace Corps, Americorps or other international and domestic service agencies.

Free, hands-on workshops for high school seniors and their parents.

• Liberal Arts-In-Action - Monday, Oct. 1: Workshops with faculty and students on photography, economics, elementary education, history, Jewish studies, modern languages, philosophy, pre-law, international diplomacy, psychology, and sociology/anthropology.
• Science-In-Action Day - Friday, Oct. 5: Conduct experiments with faculty and students in biochemistry, chemistry, developmental biology, ecology, geological and environmental science, genetics, animal behavior, mathematics and computer science, and physics.
• Business-In-Action - Friday, Oct. 19: A look at how students interested in accounting, business, economics, finance, information systems, marketing or management can prepare for the rapidly changing business environment.
• Writing-In-Action - Friday, Oct. 26: Workshops with published writers on fiction, poetry, screenwriting, journalism, ethics and writing, college writing, historical fiction, memoir, children's fiction, and travel writing.

Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and include campus tours, lunch and career information.